In Aromatherapy An A-Z, Patricia Davis wrote: "In cystic fibrosis, several areas of body chemistry malfunction, affecting principally the lungs and the digestive system. The inability to digest fats and other digestive issues can be helped with a carefully chosen diet and digestive enzymes and the area where aromatherapy can be of greatest value is in alleviating the respiratory problems."

"In cystic fibrosis the lungs constantly produce too much mucus, which leads to congestion, breathing difficulties and frequent infections, because the excess mucus forms a breeding ground for bacteria. The parents of children with cystic fibrosis are taught to carry out physiotherapy on their child several times each day to help the draining of mucus. Using essential oils greatly increases the effectiveness of this treatment, as well as helping to prevent and treat lung infections."

"To alleviate this condition we need oils which are mucolytic, expectorant and anti-infectious, and because treatment will be needed constantly, the widest possible range of oils should be included to provide a means to avoid the dangers implicit in using any oil continually over a long peroid of time."

Resin oils:
Benzion
Elemi
Frankincense
Myrrh

Anti-infectious and immuno-stimulant oils:
Lavender
Manuka
Niaouli
Ravensara
Tea Tree

Other oils to consider:
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Eucalyptus radiata
Eucalyptus citriodora
Pine
Sandalwood

"If the above essential oils are combined in blends consisting of one resin, one immuno-stimulant and one other oil, many combinations are possible and should be varied every week or so. Davis suggests that "the longest any one blend should be used without a break is three weeks."

Davis continues regarding Eucalyptus: "For young children, do not exceed 1% essential oil to carrier, increasing this to 2% as they get older. Massaging the oils into the chest and back as part of the daily physiotherapy sessions is the most important aspect of treatment. It makes it much easier for the child to cough up mucus and reduces the risk of bronchial infections and other complications. I suggest to aromatherapists helping children with cystic fibrosis that they give ready-mixed blends to the parents to use between visits."

Micro-diffusing essential oils into the air is an ideal form of treatment that has been proved highly effective for respiratory problems of all kinds.Steam inhalations are another effective way to get the oils into the lungs, and baths will help to reduce the risk of infection and strengthen the immune system.

Rectal Suppositories: The Final Frontier of Essential Oils by Mike (At the Roots: Natural Healing for Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Disease)
Mike's aromatherapist made him suppositories with Thyme ct thymol, Rosemary ct camphor, Eucalyptus citriodora, Tea Tree, Niaouli in equal parts.

To address the Staphylococcus, use oils such as Oregano, Thyme, Cleansing (applied to the spine using a massage technique), then 10 drops Lemon, 5 drops Tea Tree and 3 drops Frankincense (rub on feet, chest and diffuse) or 10 drops Lung Support and 5 drops Hyssop.

To address tummy discomfort, Digestion Support or Tummy Soothe massaged on the abdomen morning and evening may help.

References
Davis P., Aromatherapy An A-Z, C.W. Daniel Company Ltd, 2000